Miles: 330.4 | A slow, chilly morning starts with one of the coolest privies on the trail and an unexpected reunion with familiar faces. Trail magic at the next gap brings eggs, hash browns, and fruit, though my appetite and nausea make eating a challenge despite desperately needing the calories. The day unfolds into a steady, all-day climb, softened by sunshine and shared miles with Maverick, and capped off by sweeping 360-degree views from Big Bald. Twelve miles outside of Erwin, I crawl into my tent unable to finish dinner, falling asleep dreaming of town food, a warm bed, and the promise of a margarita.
We got a late start on this chilly day. I got up and used the coolest privy on the trail so far:
I ran into Miles on my way back from the privy along with Mule who had both gotten in late the night before. We hiked to the next gap where we found trail magic! Silent Paw, who hiked in 2007, made us eggs and hash browns and had fresh fruit!
I DEMOLISHED an orange. Silent Paw said I was the messiest orange eater he’d ever seen. I hadn’t been eating well this week. It had been difficult. I felt nauseous all week. This day I felt especially nauseous. The breakfast was very good but I felt terribly sick.
I tried eating salt stick thinking maybe I was dehydrated. I drank two liters of water over the next hour. I took it slow this day. Maverick walked with me for most of it. The sun started to come out and warm us up a bit. The day shaped up to be beautiful. We hiked uphill all day and went over Big Bald. Similar to Max Patch. It was a beautiful 360 view.
We camped 12 miles outside of Erwin, TN this night. I couldn’t finish my meager dinner. As I fell asleep I thought about the town food we would be able to get, the warm bed, and the margarita I was craving.